Bled Bled In the midst of the Alps … … lies a town with the world renowned intact nature and idyllic formations it created. The intact nature invites you … … to explore its hidden corners and with numerous outdoor sporting activities. Unique views … … represent the finishing touch for romantic moments, mountain climbs and playful experiences. Premium packages Bled Castle entry fee Perched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia – Bled Castle. from 5 € Check the availability A DIFFERENT NEW YEAR'S EVE Join the chain that will be created around the lake on the penultimate day of the old year. You will warm up with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine on the Festive Promenade, where a rich programme of entertainment will be await you. The exciting... from 92 € Lake Bled tourist attractions and things to do, Travel Slovenia 1. Lake Bled – the most stunning and romantic place you could ever imagine In Slovenia, there is a real place that looks like it came from the fairy tale world! That place is beautiful Lake Bled which is a gorgeous glacier lake that was formed at the end of the Ice Age.

With an iconic church nestled in a tiny island in the middle of the lake and a spectacular medieval Gothic castle built on a 100-meter cliff overlooking the lake, it’s a fairytale setting. ( Image by Vicente Villamón / CC BY-SA 2.0 ) 2. Bled Castle – the oldest castle in Slovenia perched high above Lake Bled Above the incredibly beautiful glacial Lake Bled, on a mighty steep cliff rising 130 meters high, is the iconic Bled Castle. It’s one of the most visited Slovene sights with over 300.000 annual guests. Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia. It was first mentioned in 1011 as Castellum Veldes (Veldes is the German name of Bled). Later on it was devastated by two earthquakes, ransacked in a peasant uprising, and finally beautifully renovated and restored in the 1950s.

The entrance to the castle is particularly interesting due to its Gothic arch and drawbridge across a now filled-in moat and once you enter the castle, you’ll probably be surprised with the amount of things to do in the castle – there is a chapel, a restaurant, two courtyards, a museum, printing works and a wine cellar with wine tasting. The castle can be reached by car, but if the weather is nice, we would definitely suggest taking a 15-minute walk on a beautiful path towards the castle. ( Image by Mihael Grmek / CC BY-SA 3.0 ) 3. Bled Island – the fairytale island with an idyllic baroque church on it When people say that a place is like something from a fairy tale, often they are exaggerating, but that is not the case with this charming little tear-shaped island which is in the middle of an emerald green glacial Lake Bled with magnificent Bled Castle perched high on a cliff and overlooking this fairytale kingdom. It has such an extraordinary beautiful setting that photographs of it are regularly found in travel magazines and it’s without a doubt the most recognizable place in Slovenia.

( Image by James Southorn / CC BY 2.0 ) 4. Church of the Assumption of Mary – the idyllic church on Bled island The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, also known as The Church of Mary the Queen or Our Lady of the Lake is located on a a tiny, tear-shaped island in the middle of an incredibly beautiful glacial Lake Bled in Slovenia. Before the church was built, Bled Island was once home to temple consecrated to Ziva, the ancient Slavic goddess of love and fertility. The temple disappeared during battles between the followers of the pagan religion and Christians, who destroyed the altar and built a church. In the 15th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style and a new presbytery, a freestanding bell tower and the main altar were built. In 1509 the church was damaged by an earthquake to such an extent that it required thorough renovation, and this was carried out in the Baroque style. Only the frescoes in the presbytery and a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary were preserved from the previous Gothic church. The present form of the church dates from the 17th century when it was renovated after another earthquake.

The main altar with its rich gold-plated carving, dates from 1747. ( Image by Lemsipmatt / CC BY-SA 2.0 ) 5. Vintgar Gorge (also known as Bled Gorge) Vintgar Gorge is the major attraction in the immediate vicinity of Bled. It’s a must see in Slovenia with its waterfalls, pools, rapids and vegetation. A decked footpath and several wooden bridges enable you to walk into the heart of the gorge. At the end of the gorge, you will find a beautiful 13 meter high waterfall. ( Image by Gilad Rom / CC BY 2.0 ) Post by Pustolovski park Bled . The Adventure Park Bled is located on the Straza hill above Lake Bled. It offers visitors the chance to enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities in the great outdoors. The park comprises 5 tracks of different difficulty levels with as many as 71 attractions, designed as a passage from treetop to treetop. 7. St. Martin’s Parish Church The magnificent parish church is located by Lake Bled. The present neo-Gothic church, consecrated to St.

Martin, was built in 1905 on the site of the previous Gothic church, dating from the 15th century. The church contains a number of frescoes painted in the 1930, including one portraying Vladimir Lenin as Judas Iscariot in a depiction of the Last Supper. ( Image by Eneko Bidegain / CC BY 2.0 ) Where to stay in Lake Bled, Slovenia The accommodation options in Lake Bled, Slovenia can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self catering apartments, farm stays and hostels. All accommodations have been carefully selected, as being accommodations that achieve generally very good ratings in guest reviews, and in particular get a very good overall rating for value-for-money. Choose where to stay in Lake Bled wisely to get the most from your break. Bled, Slovenia - What to do, Top attractions, Tours and more! Why should I visit Lake Bled? Put simply, Bled is beautiful beyond words. Romantic and Timeless, come and seek your corner of paradise. There is much to keep you busy, but don't rush too much, Bled isn't the place for that.

There are more and more activities on the yearly calendar but what can beat an early morning stroll around the lake itself? From Bled Castle you can spy the island in the middle of the lake and of course visiting it by pletna is a highlight of any trip. Have a romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant or perhaps a horse carriage ride, weddings are very popular here! You can walk, ride or take the tourist train around the lake. Climb the surrounding hills for excellent vantage points. You can also use the lake as a base for exciting day trips to Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge, Radovljica and Kropa. Whatever you decide to do, you will enjoy your stay in paradise! Welcome to Lake Bled! Top things to do / Sights / Attractions in Lake Bled WHERE IS THE LAKE? "Where is the lake?" is the question most ask as soon as they get off the bus. The lake unfolds before them as they walk down the hill, a place of timeless beauty and elegance. Whatever you do whilst here, make sure you take time out to unwind and enjoy the magnificance of Lake Bled!

The LowDown: The Lake was first mentioned in 1004 and we're sure they marvelled at its beauty just as we do today. To get acquainted, there is nothing better than to stretch your legs with a lazy walk around the lake. The length is 6km and can be done in a brisk hour or a lot longer for those who will want to linger and take up the numerous photographic opportunities! Heading west from Bled Town you pass the famous Hotels Toplice, Trst and Jadran. There is plenty of history here and these hotels were the first to take advantage of the thermal springs that still supply the hotels today. Walking past the Straza Hill which has skiing in winter and tobagganing in summer, you go round a corner into Mlino, a small hamlet that also houses the famous Hotel Vila Bled. This was a famous summer residence for the late President Tito and these days guests can sit down to a regal dinner at the hotel restaurant. Not cheap, but something to consider if you want to experience some fine dining. Continuing on to the far side of the lake, we pass Osojnica hill which offers great views if you wish to take the path to the summit.

The far side at Zaka is where we find the Bled Camping site and the Slovene Rowing Centre. Regular World and National Championships are held on the lake. As we head back to town we pass the Grajsko Kopalisce or the swimming area underneath the Castle. It's a very popular spot in summer. The steepish path also leads up to the castle from here which is partly obscured by trees and woodland. Approaching town again, we take in Vila Preseren and the multitude of merchants who will tempt you to take a boat ride to the island in the traditional pletna. Will you succomb to their calls? Under the shadow of the Hotel Park we end our journey. It's time to find some refreshment or maybe a hearty meal at a local eating establishment. Bikes can be hired from our partners in Bled, just email us with your request There is also a tourist train that goes around the lake and stops at 7 locations. Buy tickets on board which are good for one trip only. The train runs roughly every 45 minutes from late April to when it gets cold in October. It doesn't run on days when the weather is really bad or when the driver doesn't feel like it!

When running, it tries to coincide with arrivals of trains at Bled Jezero station. Where is it \ How to get there?: Lake Bled is situated in north-west Slovenia about 50 minutes north-west of the capital Ljubljana. It is an easy bus or car ride from the capital. Trains also arrive at Bled-Lesce where a short taxi or bus ride is needed to get to the lake. For those coming from Nova Gorica\Italy, there are trains which leave from Nova Gorica and arrive at Bled Jezero station on the western side of the lake. There are no buses to the other side of the lake so take a taxi or even the tourist train. Tourist Train: Usually June-September 0900-2100 May/October weekends in good weather. TO PLETNA OR NOT PLETNA? A highlight of any trip will be a ride on a traditional pletna boat to the church of the Assumption on Slovenia's only island!

Bled's answer to Venice's gondolas, you will hear the loud voices of merchants calling for customers to fill their boats The Low Down: The pletnas can be taken from 5 spots around the lake and boats usually only leave when full so expect a wait if you are the first to get on. The trip itself is then 30 minutes from town (shorter from other locations) with 30 minutes on the island and another 30 back. Where is it \ How to get there?: Pletnas can be taken from out front the Vila Preseren, Hotel Toplice, Penzion Mlino, Camping Bled at Zaka and the rowing centre. Pletna Return Trip: 14 euros - Roughly from 0900-1900 (depending on Church opening times) On the Island: After disembarking from the gondola, you are free to roam the small island for 30 minutes. Slovenia's only natural island is home to the Church of the Assumption of Mary dating back to the 1400's.

The church is a favourite for weddings and it is customary for the groom to carry the bride up the 99 steps leading up to the church. Kids also love ringing the wishing bell which has been tolling since 1534. The island also has a small cafe and souvenir\information building. You can of course, also hire a row boat and spend as much time here as you like! Church Admission: 6 euros/4 euros Apr/Oct: 0900-1800 Nov to Mar: 0900-1600 CASTLE VIEWS ARE AMAZING! Slovenia's oldest castle sits majestically over Lake Bled keeping watch on the waters and surrounding lands below. No-one comes to Bled without making the trek up the 130 metre summit where the effort is paid back tenfold with breathtaking views over the lake and the nearby Alps. The Low Down: Ljubljana's castle is the city's main tourist drawcard and welcomes over 120000 visitors every year from both overseas and within Slovenia.

Made up of two parts, the Upper and Lower courtyard, the castle is yet another must-see on your list of must-see locations in Slovenia! The Upper Courtyard houses the main residence and the gothic chapel while the lower courtyard houses the outbuildings complete with defensive walls and gothic tower. The residence houses a restaurant and the museum which illustrates Bled's history from the Bronze Age to the present. In summer the Castle takes on a festive atmosphere with the visit of a "Count" and also the competition of the famous Archery Tournament. Take in one of the many evening concerts that also take place under magical starry skies. Weddings and functions are very popular here and patrons can also print their own memorial certificate in the printing works or bottle some wine with their own personal label in the wine cellar. Also browse around in the herbal gallery and take time to view the frescoes in the chapel Where is it\How to get there?: You can't miss the castle when standing at the lake's edge. From just past the Vila Preseren and behind the swimming area, there are signs pointing the way up to the castle.

There is a brand new paved path taking you to the top but it is still quite a climb (especially when its windy!) so be sure to take your time. Alternatively, there is a road where you can drive to the top and park your vehicle. For current prices and opening hours, go to the official Castle website ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT! Hiring your own rowboat to row around the lake is also a popular choice for visitors. You are able to tie up on the island and wander about at your leisure or just frolic around the lake itself. The Low Down: Rowboats are great fun if you want to do your own thing on the lake. Just don't forget to take into account the size of the lake or your arms and hands may need a holiday of their own just to recover! For something fun for the kids, there are 3 swan boats on the far side of the lake for hire. Rowboats are not available for hire on days when the weather is bad. Where is it\How to get there?: Rowboats can be hired from the Lido Swimming Area, the western side of the lake at Velika Zaka, out front of the Penzion Pletna and out front of the Hotel Toplice.

Rowboats: 12-18€ p/hour, charge for extra hours, deposit required Pension Pletna/Hotel Toplice every day Marjan Polak/Grajska Boathouse/Klemen Pangerc - May to October HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE! What could be more fun than taking a horse and carriage ride around the lake by coachmen (fijaker) in traditional costume? Popular in all seasons, you don't have to be a romantic to hire one, but your partner would probably love it! The Low Down: These traditional carriages leave from a point by the Festival Hall. A standard ride usually lasts 30 minutes but you can also prearrange a carriage for as long as you like and to go wherever you like. Carriages have taken guests to Vintgar Gorge and up to the Castle! Santa even arrives in a carriage around here! Of course, they are also booked out for the plethora of weddings that occur in Bled with the carriage taking the lucky couple to the registry office in style!

Prices are listed for the most common journeys (40-90euros) but rides can be pre-arranged to any nearby location (80-120euros) - Prices are based on 2 people. For the local coachman's (fijakers) site, click here THE MIGHTY VINTGAR GORGE Not far from Bled and nestled at the bottom of a ravine where the mighty Radovna River flows, we find the picturesque tiny village of Vintgar whose claim to fame is the magical Vintgar Gorge. It is definitely a must-see tourist attraction if you are visiting Bled and is easily reached by car, bike or on foot. The Low Down: Vintgar is a narrow gorge carved out over time by the Radovna river which weaves and cascades through the gorge at great speed, only slowing briefly in places to catch it's breath. Many men perished or were injured in the process of building the narrow walkways that cling to the sides of the gorge back in the 1800's. Today the experience is exhilarating and thousands traverse the trail that leads 1600m to the Šum Waterfall.

Enjoy the sounds of the crashing waters as a torrent of emerald green rushes beneath your feet. Stopping also to admire the surrounding nature and wildlife, your camera will have many opportunities to catch that magical shot. You can buy a ticket at the booth upon reaching the Gorge and as mentioned above, the trail is around 1600m long. At the end of the trail there are toilets and a refreshment stand so you can take break before heading back along the same route. It is possible for serious hikers to continue on along the marked paths. Adults: 5euros, Children 6-15: 2.50euros, Students:4 euros. The walkways are quite narrow and high in places so watch your footing whilst walking. Shoes with good traction are a good idea and it's probably not the best idea to visit when it's raining as the path will be slippery. You may want to plan your visit to avoid the crowds as squeezing past oncoming traffic becomes a little tiring after a while. Where is it\How to get there?: By car: Travel north on the road leading out of Bled. The roads are marked. You can't miss it as there are several signs pointing the way.

Walk\Bike: There are also signs if you want to walk or ride the path from Bled. The distance is a leisurely 4 kilometres. Bus: Buses also head along the main road, but they are not as frequent as tourists might like and you still need to walk a kilometre or so from the road. At the Gorge: There is a car park available that is large enough to take cars and the big tourist buses. TOBOGGANING ON THE STRAZA Fun for the young and young at heart, the tobaggan or "Funbob" on the Straza is another great activity for you to try whilst in Bled! The Low Down: Open from April to October every year, the toboggan course is 520m long and reaches maximum speeds of 40km\h. The ride twists and turns its way to the bottom and is great fun for older kids and adults!

Toboggan Lift and One Ride - Adults: 9euros, Children 6-14: 6euros When: Summer June-Sept daily - 1000-2000 Outside Summer Weekends - 1100-1700 Where is it\How to get there?: The toboggan is found on the Straza hill which is immediately left of the main town of Bled. Their is an access road that runs behind the main town round the back of the Hotel Golf and Penzion Mayer (Pod Strazo) which leads to either the top of the Straza or the base. SWIMMING AT THE LIDO What better way to cool down on warm summers day but with a dip in Lake Bled? The Public swimming area is always a hit with young and old alike! Have a refreshing swim or relax in a deckchair on the grassy foreshore, the choice is yours! The Low Down: The 300m enclosed stretch of land along the lake welcomes swimmers from June to late September and has many activities to keep the kiddies busy while the parents relax by reading a favorite book, taking a snooze or just enjoying the sun!

The playground area features waterslides, swimming pools, climbing walls, trampolines, chess board, table tennis tables and a sandbox for the little ones. The change rooms have full change facilities including lockers and you can also hire beach umbrellas. There is also a boat shed for those who want to hire a rowboat and of course you can buy refreshments from the kiosk. Out on the water there are waterslides, diving platforms and inflatables to climb aboard and jump off. Please be aware that the water is deep here and you will not be able to stand up when jumping in. Little ones obviously will need an inflatable safety device on them. You can also swim on the far western side of the lake in the allocated swimming areas. You will find shallower water here and it is free of charge. Please note the Lido is closed on rainy days Adult: 7euros - Children to 14: 5euros - Students: 6euros Hire: Deckchair-3euros, Safe Deposit-3euros, Lost key-5euros, Cubicle-7euros, Locker-2euros. Open May to mid-September. Where is it\How do I get there?

The public swimming lido is located on the northern side of the lake right under the castle and next to the Vila Preseren. Other public swimming areas can be found on the western side of the lake near the camping ground in the Zaka area. Further information can be found here SKATING IN WINTER When the lake has frozen over in winter and the sun is shining through, it is difficult to imagine a more magnificent sight than to see adults and children gliding over the ice here at Lake Bled! Come and experience it for yourself! The Low Down: The number of days that the lake is frozen is obviously dependant on the weather and some years will see lots of activity on the lake, while others will see hardly any! Even when partly frozen, the locals know where it is safe to skate and where its not! Ask if in any doubt! For those skaters who can't hang around for the weather to turn, breathe easy as there is also an ice skating rink on the lake front. Open from August to April every year, the arena at the Sporthall (Sportna Dvorana) holds world championships in skating and ice hockey as well as tempting locals and visitors.

Skates can be hired at the hall althouth check with the information centre or the hall as it is only open at certain times of the day and on certain days. Adults: 5euros, Children7-14: 3.50euros, Students: 4.50euros. Skate rental: 4.50euros Where is it\How do I get there? The Sportna Dvorana is on the lakefront around from the Park Hotel in the town of Bled. Further information can be found here EATING KREMSNITA! Bled may be a favourite holiday destination for its outstanding beauty, but there is a culinary delight that is almost as famous here and must be tried before your departure! We're talking about the Kremsnita, a cream cake that dares you to stop at one! There were wild scenes in Bled in 2009 as the 10th million Kremsnita was made, sold and eaten! The Low Down: An explosion of cream, vanilla and a hint of rum, the Kremsnita was said to be have been invented by a Hungarian chef at the Park Hotel back in the 1950's.

With a recipe that has stayed the same since that day, it is another reason that people flock back to Bled time and time again. Don't try to cut right through one, they are manufactured to be quite uncooperative and you may end up with a mess! Instead, eat the top layer and work your way down! You can of course, buy the Kremsnita at other places, but the original is still being chunred out to hungry guests at the Hotel Park. Where is it\How do I get there? The Park Hotel on the lakefront is where the original Kremsnita can be found! They also make a wicked one at the Vila Preseren and at almost all the other hotels in Bled! GOLFING IN BLED Only 4 kms east from the centre of Bled, golfing at the Bled Golf Club is a fantastic experience! Take in the stunning views of the Alps while playing the beautifully designed course. If you don't play, this will make you want to take up the game! The club runs special offers throughout the year and welcomes everyone to spend a relaxing day on the fairways!

The Low Down: Opened in 1937 and redesigned into a serious course for tournaments, this is Slovenia's oldest course and is located in a magnificant setting of towering mountains, rolling countryside and flowerbeds bursting with colour. The club is made up of the Kings 18 hole course and also a challenging 9 hole course complete with water hazards. Why not play both? There is also a putting green, floodlit driving range, chipping green and golf school on site. Tournaments are held throughout the year so please check their website to see when the course is available. Accommodation and Dining is also available with the club offering 2 suites and 7 double rooms plus an acclaimed restaurant, meaning you never have to leave the club if desired! Reservations are requested at least 3 days prior to playing and the club will allocate you a start time closest to the time requested. 18 holes: 70euros, 9 holes: 35euros Further information can be found here Where is it\How do I get there?

Located 4km east of the main town, the course is found at 10C Kidriceva St and is just off the main road as you approach Bled from Lesce. GET LUCKY AT CASINO BLED If you have a few euros to spare, you may want to consider Casino Bled as another place to while the night away. The Low Down: The casino is open into the wee hours of the morning and offers the usual array of games including 6 roulette tables, 4 blackjack tables, 1 draw poker table, 1 punto banco and 3 texas hold'em tables. There are also numerous electronic gaming machines and bingo if the tables aren't your thing. There is also a restaurant for patrons. Where is it\How do I get there? The casino is found in the main centre of Bled town, out front of the Hotel Park on the lakefront. THERMALS ANYONE? Around the turn of the 20th century, Arnold Rikli opened baths at Lake Bled to tap into the rich thermal springs that lay below.

They were later closed as locals feared being overrun by tourists but thankfully they have been unearthed again and now several hotels along the lakeside pipe the thermal water straight into their pools! The Low Down: The Guests at the Toplice, Park and the Golf Hotel can take advantage of the thermal pools which are an excellent way of relaxing after a hard days sightseeing! The pool at the Toplice is set at a temperature of 22C and guests can also drink the water from a special tap. The Ziva Wellness Centre is a new concept at the Golf Hotel and comprises thermal pools, sauna and a centre for beauty, mind and spirit! The thermal pools are set to 28C and the area also includes a children's pool, an outdoor pool and 2 whirlpools for relaxation. The centre is designed so that guests can move easily between the different areas and also includes "relaxation chill out" areas! This centre is open to the public as well. The Park Hotel combines an indoor pool with poolside bar, sauna and fitness centre. Where is it\How do I get there? The Toplice, Hotel and Park are all located in the main town centre of Bled.

Further information can be found here Tours in Lake Bled / Day Tours from Lake Bled Bled is easy to enjoy on your own but local tours are available that will embellish your trip by exploring the lake and surrounding area through local eyes and experiencing locations that only locals know about. This insight can and will add a new dimension to your enjoyment of Bled. Pick a tour or activity with our partners below and join in, you won't regret it and will have an amazing time! TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LAKE BLED THE BEST SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF BLED AND SURROUNDS Why book this tour? Relax in a modern, air conditioned van and see Lake Bled and the surrounding area in style. With this guided tour you'll see things others won't and have a great time in the process! RIDE AROUND LAKE BLED AND HILLS ARE NO PROBLEM! Why book this event? Do you want to see heaven on earth (Lake Bled) by electric bicycle? with this fun and exciting guided tour you'll see places others won't! E-Bikes are easy as they do all the work for you going uphill!

SEE BLED VIA ROMANTIC HORSE CARRIAGE Why book this tour? Could anything be more romantic than a horse and carriage? Yes, if it's a horse and carriage tour around the romance inducing Lake Bled! That special someone will love you forever after this! Engagement rings highly recommended! PUBLIC & PRIVATE DAY TRIPS - HEAD EAST FOR AN EXCELLENT DAY OF SIGHTS! Why book this tour? Eastern Slovenia is often overlooked for the West but you will be raving to your friends after this trip. Maribor and Ptuj are two beautiful cities and the wine roads of Jeruzalem are simply stunning. Best Accommodation in Lake Bled Accommodation can be quite subjective as is the case with restaurants and bars. One stay can be different to the next depending on when you stay, what room you have and the staff on duty etc. In our case, we have personally stayed at the accommodation listed and have a good idea of which hotels provide a consistent level of quality service and amenities. Peruse the options listed below and pick one that suits your needs, all bookings help keep the website going!

Sloveniaforyou.com have hand picked the best of the each accommodation category to make it easy for you to book! GUEST HOUSE * Amazing owners * Kids will love it too! A great choice if you're looking for a relaxing tourist farm setting but still near Bled! Top Events in Lake Bled There is always something happening in Bled all year round, especially in the summer months. Here is a calendar of the major events. You may want to plan your holiday to coicide with these events! JUNE - Medieval Days Celebrating a history dating back at least a thousand years, Medieval Days at Bled Castle (or Veldes as it was known in German) entices more than 20 medieval, music and dance groups with more than 200 costumed performers from Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Producing an authentic medieval atmosphere, the program also offers an opportunity to see skillful craftspeople making medieval handicrafts in the mock Medieval market complete with childrens workshops for stilt and armour making and much more! JULY - Bled Days/Nights Bled turns it on for summer tourists with their Bled Days and Bled Nights festival.

Every year they come for a few days to see the production of local arts and craft and to listen to concerts along the promenade. The highlight is the traditional Bled Night, when the lake is lit up and the sky above glows. The organisers launch 15,000 lights in egg-shells (made by Andrej Vidic from Bled) into the water. They illuminate the whole lake and this leads to a triumphant finale where magnificent fireworks light up the lake with amazing colour. JULY - Bled Music Festival Every year several venues in Bled like Bled Castle and the Festival Hall host a series of concerts. The detailed concert programme promises special treats for all music enthusiasts! Concerts of various music genres and styles will be accompanied by masterclasses and outreach workshops where master musicians will share their knowledge with young talents. In the course of over 20 years, the masterclasses of Festival Bled has lead to over 1,900 aspiring musicians gaining inspiration to become renowned artists in their own right. Organisers have invited world-renowned professors of violin, viola, cello, chamber music, singing, organised jazz, rock, pop and ethno music.

AUG - Okarina Festival The Okarina International Music Festival is where World music comes to Bled from all parts of the globe. Top musicians perform at Bled Castle and the lake shore promenade, sending out a clear message on the importance of multiculturalism. More than 240 ensembles and solo musicians coming from all continents have performed in Bled over a quarter of a century as part of Okarina Festival. SEPTEMBER - Rowing Regatta With its perfect setting and calm waters, lake Bled is often the host of national and international rowing events like the World masters Regatta. Teams will arrive from all corners of the globe and accommodation will be scarce so make sure you book ahead! Grab a seat with a view of the action and enjoy! NOV - Okerkrainer Festival The autumn mood lifts in Bled with the traditional event in November - the Oberkrainerfest, organized by Bled Tourism. This volksmusical event, with internationally known ensembles, offers plenty of fun and entertainment and is a unique opportunity for fans of the national music and Oberkrainermusik.

Combined with an excellent culinary offer, the festival attracts several thousand visitors from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary to the sports hall of Bled. The two-day or three-day event offers you plenty of music and entertainment! DEC - Potica Festival The Potica Festival on Bled Island is intended for all enthusiasts who cherish this sweet or salted Slovenian speciality. The four-day event features live baking of the potica cake, an exhibition as well as the option of buying potica cakes. The event also offers an unforgettable ride in a Pletna boat to the island. DEC/JAN - Festive White Christmas Village Throughout the month of December, Bled offers many events to celebrate Christmas. One of the events is the “Sinking of the Bell” – Christmas night. This event is from a centuries-old legend that involves an actual sunken bell, the Pope, nuns and a murder mystery! Another celebration is the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which is held along the waterfront. Every December weekend is loaded with events suitable for children. There’s also the arts fair, which is usually hosted at the Hotel Park. And on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can watch Santa Claus ride into town in his horse-drawn sleigh.

Sample Itinerary Ideas and tips for Lake Bled Lake Bled is a great place to relax and to explore the lake and region. In one day you could walk the lake, visit the castle and the island by pletna. In two days you could also explore Vintgar Gorge, Radovljica and Kropa. If using Bled as a base then of course you could base yourself here for 3-7 days and explore the lake and take day trips as noted above. Here are some suggested itineraries and ideas: Bled in one day - After breakfast, walk the lake before it gets too warm in summer. or Take our partners Bled Sightseeing Tour and get acquainted with the lake and region in comfort!. Take the path up to the Castle and enjoy the views and history. Lunch, try the excellent pizza at Rustika, Pri Planincu or Gallus Take the pletna to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell! Enjoy an afternoon cocktail by the lake. Dinner at one of Bled's numerous restaurants. Drinks at a lakeside bar like Devil Bar. Bled in two days - Day one as above.

Day two walk, ride or drive to Vintgar Gorge in the morning before the crowds come. Have lunch in the charming nearby town of Radovljica. Continue on to Kropa, a famous iron forging town. If time, perhaps an evening stroll in Kranj or Skofja Loka Dinner in Kranj, Skofja Loka or Bled An evening stroll near the lake with ice-cream! Lake Bled in 3-7 days - Days one and two as above Take several great day trips (see our tour section) like lake Bohinj, Postojna Caves, Ljubljana or perhaps some Bear Watching? Visit further afield for the day like Kranjska Gora, the Soca Valley via the Vrsic Pass and even Austria or Italy are not far away. Our Users reviews, tips and recommendations for Lake Bled - Traffic is becoming heavier all the time as Bled becomes more popular. Try to avoid arriving back into Bled during peak hours and times when the tour buses arrive. Long delays are common! Did you know? Fun facts for Lake Bled 1. Slovenia only has one official island and here it is, on Lake Bled!

2. On the island there are the famous 99 steps dating back to 1655. it is customary for the groom to carry the bride up the steps for good luck! 3. Fed only by underground springs, the thermal variety were brought to prominence by Arnold Rikli who explored their healing properties. How to get to and from Lake Bled By Air - Flying into Slovenia A list of current destinations servicing Ljubljana Airport can be found HERE . These include the long standing destinations of London, Paris, Frankfurt and Istanbul but new services and seasonal services will differ from year to year. From Ljubljana Airport into Lake Bled DISTANCE: 35km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 30 minutes TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from the airport you can book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE BUS: You can also use the local bus which is cheap but a transfer is preferable because you need two buses to reach Bled (Airport to Kranj and then Kranj to Bled) and also you may have a lot of luggage.

Click HERE CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a car at the Airport then without doubt use our partners at ATET for the best service in Slovenia. Use the code SLOFORYOU when booking.

From Venice/Venice Airport to Lake Bled DISTANCE: 280km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 3.5 hours TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Venice or Venice Airport, book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Venice then contact us by email for a quote here From Budapest to Lake Bled DISTANCE: 520km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 5.5 hours CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Budapest then contact us by email for a quote here TRAIN: To access details of the service by train to Ljubljana, click HERE From Vienna/Salzburg to Lake Bled DISTANCE: (VIENNA) 370km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 4 hours DISTANCE: (SALZBURG) 240km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 3 hours TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Vienna or Salzburg, book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Vienna

 or Salzburg then contact us by email for a quote here TRAIN: To access details of the service by train, click HERE From Zagreb/Plitvice/Split to Lake Bled DISTANCE: (ZAGREB) 200km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 2 hours DISTANCE: (PLITVICE) 260km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 3.20 hours DISTANCE: (SPLIT) 520km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 6 hours TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Zagreb, book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Plitvice or Split, contact us by email for a quote here CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Zagreb, Plitvice or Split then contact us by email for a quote here TRAIN: To access details of the service by train, click HERE From Lake Bohinj to Lake Bled DISTANCE: 23km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 30mins BUS: To reach Bled centre from Bohinj, then check the local bus timetable HERE On the

 far side of the lake which is Ukanc (Vogel) look for these stops: Bohinj Zlatorog, Zicnica Vogel, Pod Voglem.

For the near side of the lake, look for Bohinj Jezero and Ribcev Laz. NOTE: Some buses go to the far side, others will go to Ribcev Laz and loop around through Stara Fuzina back to Bled. This service is run by Alpetour TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Bohinj, book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE From Trieste to Lake Bled DISTANCE: 150km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 1.30 hours TRANSFER: To reach Bled centre from Trieste, book a low cost GoOpti transfer by clicking HERE CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Trieste then contact us by email for a quote here Bled Weather Travel, Tourist and Visitor Information on the Lakes: Bled & Bohinj, Slovenia CLICK here for more information on Skiing Vogel - Kobla HIKING There is outstanding hiking for all levels throughout the region.

Highlights include tours of both lakes Bled & Bohinj & the Vintgar Gorge near Bled, the ascent of Triglav (Slovenia's highest peak) from Bohinj and a variety of walks from the the top of the Vogel gondola which runs in summer. MOUNTAIN BIKING There are outstanding biking trails for all levels throughout the region. From easy Lake circuits / valley rides to all sorts of more demanding peaks and trails. KAYAKING Lake Bohinj itself offers easy beginner kayaking, whilst there is excellent beginner - intermediate level on the Sava Bohinjka River which runs from Bohinj to Bled or the Sava River running south of Bled. CLICK here for more information on Kayaking in Slovenia RAFTING There is easy rafting possible on the upper part of the Sava Bohinjka River which runs from Lake Bohinj towards Bled or the Sava River running south of Bled. More challenging is the section of the Sava Bohinjka between Soteska and Bohinjska Bela.

CLICK here for more information on Rafting in Slovenia PARAGLIDING There are several paragliding points in the Bohinj region, which is recognised as one of Slovenia's most beautiful paragliding areas. The most recognised points are Vogel (home of Bohinj's main ski area), Vogar and Studor. CANYONING There are numerous options in the Lakes region, especially in the Bohinj area where many tributaries feed into the Sava Bohinjka River . There are canyons to suit all abilities, most popular of which are the Mostnica, Grmečica and Jerečica gorges. CLICK here for more information on Canyoning in Slovenia FLY FISHING There is superb fishing on the Sava Bohinjka River running from Bohinj to Bled & also on the Sava River south of Bled & the Radovna River running between Bled and Mojstrana. CLICK here for more information on Fly Fishing in Slovenia SWIMMING In summer it is possible to swim in both Lakes Bohinj & Bled , both of which have lots of "beach" areas to swim and sun bathe from.

Water is usually fresh but perfectly OK in both lakes in high summer months. There is also an excellent spa / waterpark in the town of Bohinjska Bistrica and various hotels in the region also offer swimming / spa facilities. HORSE RIDING The lakes region offers wonderful horse riding country. The Mrčina Ranch in the village of Studor in Bohinj is amongst the best place to go to organise tuition / treks of the local countryside. GOLF Bled plays host to two golf courses; The Kings Golf Course and its adjoing Lakes Golf Course. Together these two courses cover more than 100 hectares with stunning views of the Julian Alps. Open during the season March to October. CLICK here for more information on Golfing in Slovenia ADRENALINE PARKS On Straža Hill overlooking Bled you will find the Bled Adventure Park nestled amongst the trees. With 81 attractions and challenges set to test your balance and skills up to 10m from the ground. Also on the hill is the summer toboggan run, some 520 metres of adrenaline based fun following the path of the chair lift.

A great way to finish the day, after clambering through the tree tops on the ropes courses. If you have ever wondered what it is like to play high above the ground. The high hopes course at Pac Sports Bohinj is just for you. It is an obstacle course built on wooden pillars 8 metres above the ground. As part of the course there is a giant swing that is bound to get the adrenaline flowing. CLICK here for more information on Adrenaline Parks in Slovenia ARCHITECTURE & HISTORICAL SITES The most obvious historical sites of the Lakes region are Lake Bled Castle and Lake Bled island. The castle, dating back to the middle ages, is one of Slovenia's most impressively located and best preserved castles and offers spectacular views of the lake and the Karavanke mountains as well as an interesting museum about the history of Bled, a restaurant and wine cellars which can be visited and tastings arranged. Lake Bled Island is home to a number of beautiful old buildings at the top of a staircse of 99 stairs leading from the lake shore.

Notable is the pilgrimage church of Mary of the Assumption which dates back to the 17th century in its current form but originally from the 15th century. Other sites of interst in the region include the charming medieval town of Radovljica and the characteristic Bohinj villages between Stara Fužina and Jereka. FESTIVALS Bohinj hosts an annual wild flower festival at the end of May / early June and a hiking festival in early September. Lake Bled plays host to an annual international rowing regatta now approaching its 60th year - usually taking place in May. Annual World Cup biathalon events are held during Winter on the Pokljuka Plateau between Bled & Bohinj. FOOD & DRINK The Lakes area being in the heart of Slovenia's alpine region offers a hearty alpine based cuisine. Like most of the country it is easy to find excellent value good quality eating out. Some of the region's highlights include the famous Lectar restaurant in Radovljica old town and Gostilna Rupa in the village of Srednja Vas in Bohinj.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Bled Castle offers a permanent exhibition about the history of Bled. It also has a recreated (and slightly touristy) medieval printing press and wine cellar that can be visited. Of interest to anyone interested in beekeeping will be the excellent museum of Apiculture in the town of Radovljica dating back to 1959 charting the history of beekeeping in Slovenia - which is a rich one given that there are still 4 beekeepers / 1000 people in Slovenia today, one of the highest in the world! NATURAL ATTRACTIONS The Lakes region is perhaps Slovenia's best known and richest area for natural attractions. The Lakes Bled & Bohinj , the Vintgar Gorge , the Sava Bohinjka river, Savica Waterfall and the very many beautiful peaks which can be scaled for stunning views of the region - most notable among which is probably the ascent of Slovenia's highest mountain Triglav via 7 beautiful alpine lakes .

SPA & WELLNESS The thermal waters that rise on the banks of Lake Bled are shared by the elegant Studio Luisa Wellness Centre at the Grand Hotel Toplice dating back to 1925 and the modern Wellness Živa centre at Hotel Golf which offers 380m2 of water surface and a wide range of relaxation facilities and treatments as well as a beautiful terrace overlooking the Lake. The Bohinj areas offers the excellent Bohinj Aqua Park in the region's main town - Bohinjska Bistrica. The Aqua Park is a modern facility with a huge range of relaxation and beauty facilities and treatments, and a kid friendly environment with waterslides and kids pool. There is also a small wellness centre at the charming Kristal Hotel and the Jezero Hotel. Lake Bled: A Tourist Trap In Slovenia You Really Must See - Gadling Gadling Sign up for our newsletters Gadling Jun 12, 2013 Sean McLachlan If you don’t already know that Lake Bled is the most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia you’ll know it the moment you arrive. There’s a casino. There’s a Shamrock Irish Pub.

There’s even one of those tourist buses made up to look like a choo-choo train. It’s horrible. But look out across the emerald-green water sparkling in the sunshine and all that disappears. Instead, you see a storybook landscape – a lush little island with a church spire peeking out over the greenery, snow-covered Alps beyond and, on one shore, a steep cliff atop which looms a formidable castle. It’s like something from Wagner. The best way to see Lake Bled is to take a slow stroll around it. A path makes the entire 3.7-mile circuit. Most of the hotels and nearly all the businesses are clustered into one small town, so you soon leave the noise and people behind. Much of the walk is shaded and you can admire the lake from all angles. At one point there’s a sign for Osojnica hill. A moderately challenging 15-minute climb will reward you with fine views of the island and its church. Most visitors head up to Bled Castle, one of the most impressive of Slovenia’s many castles . It’s a 16th-century fortress/manor house built on 11th-century foundations.

While picturesque from afar, I’d recommend not visiting it because you’ll spoil the illusion. As soon as you enter the front gate someone shouts, “Smile!” and snaps your photo. When you leave they’ll offer you an image of yourself looking slightly surprised and confused for only €6.50 ($8.60). %Slideshow-599%Once you make it past the photographer, you can visit an old-style print shop, where you can buy handmade prints; or you can visit the wine cellar, where you can buy wine; or you can visit the smithy with its fake forge and array of metalwork for sale. The only redeeming spots are the fine little castle church with its 16th-century frescoes and the views over Lake Bled. Since you can get just as good views from Osojnica hill for free, there’s really not much need to come here. While Bled Island and its Church of the Assumption are equally touristy, they feel slightly less spoiled than the castle. At least people aren’t trying to sell you something all the time. The approach is nicer too – instead of slogging up a steep hill, you’re rowed across the lake on a gondola.

When I went to the lakeside to catch a boat, a tour bus pulled up and disgorged a huge crowd of South Koreans, mostly women in their 50s with a couple of camera-toting husbands in tow. We all piled into three gondolas and set out. The women in one of the boats started singing and their voices carried nicely over the water. I shared the stern of my boat with two ladies. Everyone thought this was funny for some reason and started snapping photos of us. The lone Korean man in our boat stood up to take a shot and, figuring I’d give him something to talk about back home, I put my arms around the two women. They started giggling. For them, at least, I’m still a young man. The photographer gave me a wide grin and took our photograph. After he sat down one of the women turned to me and said, “That’s my husband.” Oops. The man must have overheard because he laughed. Then he pointed at me and said, “You kimchi.” I swear to God that’s what he said. “You kimchi.” Maybe Gadling’s resident Korea expert can shed some light on this?

Once we got off the boat, the oarsman grumpily announced that we only had half an hour. That’s plenty of time because the island is tiny. A quiet little path goes around the edge. It took me barely five minutes to make the circuit even though I kept stopping to take pictures. Then I rejoined my temporary travel companions in the church. The church has some lovely 14th-century frescoes but that’s not why people come here. They come here to ring the bell. There’s some local legend about how it gives you luck for some reason or other. I didn’t bother to write it down since it was probably made up for tourists anyway. Still, I wasn’t about to pass up the chance for some good luck and I got in line with the rest. A sign on the floor gave strict instructions not to swing from the bell rope. Most of the women did anyway. That bell rang and rang. Since a steady stream of visitors passes through the island, you can hear that bell ringing from early in the morning until sunset. It hardly ever seems to stop. Lake Bled has a lot of luck to give. The women thought I was very strong because I could ring the bell without swinging from it. Thanks, ladies!

Maybe that was the luck the bell had for me – the admiration of a crowd of middle-aged South Koreans. It’s not much, but how much magic do you expect from a tourist trap? Despite all this nonsense, is Lake Bled still worth a visit? Oh yes. It is simply beautiful. Even in a steady downpour it had a majestic quality to it, and when the clouds broke it became one of the most beautiful spots I’ve seen in 25 years and 34 countries of travel. I would suggest visiting Lake Bled but actually staying at the less-visited but equally beautiful Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park . More on that in the next post. Check out the rest of my series, “ Slovenia: Hikes, History and Horseburgers .” Coming up next: Hiking in Triglav National Park! Lake Bled (Slovenia): Top Tips Before You Go - TripAdvisor “Number 1 tourist trap in Slovenia; well worth visiting” Reviewed 5 days ago NEW Bled is just something that should (must) be on everyone's bucket list. The nature is spectacular.

There are two or three musts when visiting Bled: (1) a boat trip to the island in the middle of the lake. You can take a trip with "pletna" or rent a rowing boat yourself. On the island you will have to climb the... More Helpful?

Question: In which country is the tourist attraction Lake Bled?
Answer: SLOVENIA